Aerial Device Truck Operations SP# 1910.67

1.0 Purpose
2.0 Scope and Applicability
3.0 Reference
4.0 Policy
5.0 General Responsibilities
6.0 Procedure
6.1 Definitions
6.2 General Provisions
6.2.1 Training
6.2.2 Aerial Truck Hazards
6.2.3 Aerial Truck Operations
6.2.4 Safe Work Practices
6.3 Specific Responsibilities
6.3.1 Managers
6.3.2 Supervisors
6.3.3 Aerial Device Truck Operator
6.3.4 Aerial Device Bucket Person 
6.3.5 Employees
6.3.6 Safety Risk Management
Aerial Truck Operation Flowchart

The purpose of this safety policy is to establish guidelines for aerial truck operations in the servicing of traffic signals within the North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources (NCDENR).

This safety policy provides guidelines for safe aerial truck operations to protect traffic control technicians and other NCDENR employees and to eliminate collisions between aerial buckets and large trucks. It includes provisions for training, brief discussion of general hazards of aerial truck operations, a listing of some of the common aerial truck operations, and recommended safe work practices. This document also details the areas of responsibility for managers, supervisors, traffic control technicians, traffic control technician assistants, employees, and Safety Risk Management within NCDENR. This safety policy affects NCDENR employees in Traffic Services and Traffic Engineering and employees in any other operation who as a result of their job duties are exposed to aerial truck hazards due to the servicing of traffic signals.

This policy is established in accordance with Occupational Safety and Health Standards for General Industry (29 CFR 1910.67 ), and Occupational Safety and Health Standards for Construction Industry (29 CFR 1926.556).

It is the policy of NCDENR to provide a place of employment that is free from recognized hazards that cause or are likely to cause death or serious physical harm to employees or the public. Therefore, when an aerial truck device is used, every effort shall be made to have two or more individuals on the scene during the operation. When aerial truck hazards exist that cannot be eliminated, then engineering practices, administrative practices, safe work practices, Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), and proper training regarding Aerial Truck Operations will be implemented. These measures will be implemented to minimize those hazards to ensure the safety of employees and the public.

It is the responsibility of each manager, supervisor, and employee to ensure implementation of NCDENR's safety policy on Aerial Truck Operations. It is also the responsibility of each NCDENR employee to immediately report any unsafe act or condition to his or her supervisor. Specific responsibilities are outlined under Section 6.3.

This section provides applicable definitions, establishes general provisions, and identifies specific responsibilities required by NCDENR's safety policy on Aerial Truck Operations.

Aerial Truck A truck that is designed to lift workers up in a bucket or platform by hydraulic lifting mechanisms.

This section details the provisions of this safety policy with each provision discussed in a separate subsection. These provisions are:

• Training
• Aerial Truck Hazards
• Aerial Truck Operations
• Aerial Truck Safe Work Practices

All employees who work with or in an aerial device truck or aerial device bucket shall be instructed in the recognition and avoidance of hazards associated with aerial truck hazards.  Each employee must be properly trained in the procedures for the safe performance of their assigned duties. This training shall be made available upon initial employment or job re-assignment. Special training is required for those who operate the aerial truck and must set up traffic control devices, where applicable.
Refresher training shall be provided at the discretion of the supervisor.

The major hazards associated with aerial truck devices when conducting the work include:

• Aerial devices coming into contact with electrical wiring
• Aerial equipment becoming unbalanced
  
• Inclement weather during emergency call out
• Fall hazards
• Vehicle traffic

In DENR most aerial truck operations involve maintenance type activities, tree and branch trimming operations and some permanent directional, informational and traffic signal device service on DENR property.
The servicing of traffic signals is several distinct operations. These operations are:

• Construction or new installation of a signal system
• Planned maintenance of a signal system
• Emergency repair of a signal system
• Emergency call out
  

Construction or new installation of a sign involves setting poles, stringing span/support wire, joining tubular supports, and running cable.

Planned maintenance- includes replacing bulbs, tree limb/branch trimming operations, spray washing exterior building surfaces and any other activities that may apply to this type of operation.

Emergency call out involves emergency operations after normal working hours either at night or on holidays and weekends.

The following safe work practices shall be followed when aerial truck devices are used for work activities:

• Two or more individuals will be at the work site
  
• Both individuals shall be trained in first aid
• Aerial truck is not to be touched if it comes into contact with electrical wiring
• The individual in the bucket shall not belt off to any adjacent pole, structure, tree, or equipment while working from the aerial bucket
• The individual working in the bucket shall wear appropriate fall protection devices attached to the lifting arm or other approved attachment point when working in the aerial lift
• Where necessary, sufficient signs, racks and traffic cones shall be available for any traffic control needs
  
• The ground person shall be instructed in the operation of the aerial device
• Emergency phone numbers and the location of communication methods, (i.e.,cellular phones) shall be readily known and accessible

Managers will ensure that the necessary traffic servicing and traffic control equipment and supplies are budgeted for and acquired. They will also be responsible for identifying the employees affected by this safety policy. Managers will obtain and coordinate the required training for the affected employees. Managers will also ensure compliance through their auditing process. Managers will ensure that supervisors are capable of recognizing and taking steps to avoid the exposure of any employee to aerial truck hazards due to traffic signal servicing. 

Supervisors will ensure that all traffic control technicians have received the required training prior to perform their duties. They shall also ensure that the traffic control technicians have been instructed in the recognition and avoidance of hazards due to aerial truck operations. Supervisors will ensure that the ground employees (helpers, additional technicians) have been instructed in the operation and hazards of aerial truck devices. 

Aerial device truck operator's shall be responsible for knowing the potential hazards associated with aerial truck operations. They shall assist the aerial device bucket person through ground activities. They will also be responsible for refraining from work if the hazards due to the operation have not been addressed. Additionally, they will be responsible for instructing any ground personnel of any hazards during the operation.
Aerial device truck operator's shall be trained in first aid and be familiar with traffic control procedures and directing traffic as the conditions require.

Indivduals that perform work while in an aerial device bucket shall exercise caution while working in the bucket.  They shall be trained in fall protection issues, first aid and be familiar with the hazards of bucket operations. Additionally, they should be familiar with traffic control and directing traffic procedures as conditions require.

Employees will report suspected hazards to their immediate supervisor and are required to follow instructions by the trained responsible party in all matters of work with or near aerial truck devices. 

Safety Risk Management will provide prompt consultative assistance to managers, supervisors, and others as applicable on any matter concerning this safety policy as staffing and resources allow.

Division/Office/Program Safety Consultants and Safety Officers shall be responsible to provide consultative, training and audit assistance to their respective managers and supervisors regarding this safety policy.

Aerial Truck Operation's Flowchart

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